Cigarette packaging

ABSTRACT

An improved cigarette package is provided. The cigarette package first comprises a container which serves as a housing for a plurality of cigarettes. The housing is a rectangularly-shaped outer container formed from a blank. The package also includes a lid, which is hingedly connected to the container at an upper end. Opening and closing the lid provides selective access and closure to the container. The package further includes an inner layer of foil. The inner foil layer is configured to reside along an inner surface of the container. The package additionally includes a substrate. The substrate resides along an inner surface of the lid, and includes an adhesive material. When the lid is in a closed state, the distal end of the substrate generally mates with upper edges of an upper contour of a front surface of the container, while a tab has a distal end that matches an upper contour of the front surface of the inner lining above the front surface of the container, thereby enabling a one-step closure and seal for the cigarette package and thereby increasing the life of the cigarettes inside the box. A method of sealing a cigarette package is also provided herein.

STATEMENT OF RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed as a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/929,932. The parent application was filed onNov. 2, 2015 and is entitled “Improved Cigarette Packaging, And MethodFor Assembling A Cigarette Package.”

The parent application, in turn, claimed the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalAppl. No. 62/089,331 filed Dec. 9, 2014. Both of these applications areincorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This section is intended to introduce various aspects of the art, whichmay be associated with exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.This discussion is believed to assist in providing a framework tofacilitate a better understanding of particular aspects of the presentdisclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that this sectionshould be read in this light, and not necessarily as admissions of priorart.

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of cigarette boxes,particularly those of the hinged-lid type. More specifically, theinvention relates to cigarette boxes having improved structure forpreserving freshness of the contents.

General Discussion of Technology

Cigarette packs are marketed in different embodiments. The conventionalstructure of a cigarette pack includes a small box, which may be eithera so-called soft box or a hard box. Such boxes form a housing for aplurality of cigarettes, such as 20 cigarettes, and may be fabricatedfrom either a cellulosic material or a synthetic material such asplastic.

Cigarettes have a shelf life. Unfortunately, many cigarettes are notconsumed until after extended periods of storage, transportation andretail presentation. In some cases, particularly where cross-country orinternational transportation is involved, a package of cigarettes maynot be consumed for many weeks or even months after manufacture andpackaging.

A box of cigarettes is generally good for a period of about one yearfrom the date of manufacture (unless vacuum sealed in freezer storage,which is uncommon). After that one year, cigarettes will become staleand lose flavor. This is because the individual cigarettes become dryand brittle due to the evaporation of aromatic oils. Some stores andindividuals use humidors that control humidity to preserve moisture andfreshness of tobacco, but these generally are not used for off-the-shelfcigarettes. Further, humidors do not help tobacco packages while theyare in transit.

To help maintain freshness, cigarette boxes are typically enwrapped byan outer wrapping made of a plastic foil. Such an outer wrapping keepsair and moisture out of the interior of the box. Cigarette boxesfrequently also include an inner lining, which is fabricated from tin orother metal material. Thus, a multi-layer structure is provided to helpmaintain freshness of the tobacco products therein. Unfortunately, oncethe package is opened the seal offered by the outer wrapping is lost andthe cluster of cigarettes is exposed to ambient conditions. Thisaccelerates the drying of the cigarettes and the loss of aromatic oils.

Several patents have issued in the field of cigarette packaging. Oneexample is U.S. Pat. No. 4,961,496 issued in 1990. This patent isentitled “Cigarette Pack, Especially Hinge-Lid Box.” This packageincludes a deformable partition within the box, the partition creatingan inner waste compartment for the placement of used or partially-usedcigarettes. This reduces the likelihood that smoked cigarettes would betossed away in public streets. The '496 patent is not directed topreserving freshness of the tobacco contents other than the incidentaleffect of the partition preventing used cigarettes from contactingunsmoked ones.

Another example is U.S. Pat. No. 4,664,310 entitled “Blank forParallelepipedal Boxes or Box Elements.” The '310 patent offers a“blank” for forming a parallelepipedal box for holding cigarettes. Thebox is constructed with a removal strip in such a manner that paralleltear lines extend through three connected wall sections of the blank.The patent is not directed towards increasing shelf life of the tobaccocontents.

A need exists for an improved cigarette package that extends the shelflife for cigarettes or other smoke tobacco products. A need furtherexists for a cigarette package that, in one embodiment, does not relyupon a mechanical connection or a friction fit for securing a hinged lidto the box, but relies solely upon a releasable adhesive connection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved cigarette package is first provided. In one embodiment, thecigarette package first comprises a container. The container serves as ahousing for a plurality of cigarettes. In one aspect, the housing isfabricated from a compliant synthetic material such as a plasticmaterial. In another aspect, the housing is fabricated from a somewhatrigid cellulosic material such as a light weight cardboard. In eitheraspect, the housing is a rectangularly-shaped outer container formedfrom a blank, and is configured to closely hold a plurality ofcigarettes.

The package also includes a lid. The lid is pivotally connected to thecontainer proximate an upper end. Opening and closing the lid providesselective access and closure to the container.

The package further includes an inner layer of foil. The inner foillayer is configured to reside along an inner surface of the container.The inner layer of foil is fabricated from a metallic material thatmaintains a generally air-tight and moisture-proof environment for thecontainer, thereby holding in aromatic oils and moisture. In oneembodiment, the layer of foil comprises aluminum, tin, nickel, orcombinations thereof.

The package additionally includes a tab. The tab extends up from a backside of the container and resides along an inner surface of the lid. Thetab is also fabricated from a moisture-proof material to increase thelife of the cigarettes when the cigarettes are placed inside the box andthe lid is in its closed position.

The package additionally includes a substrate. The substrate resides atleast along an inner surface of the lid, and is also preferablyfabricated from a moisture-proof material. The substrate includes anadhesive material applied along a distal end of the substrate as acoating. Preferably, the substrate comprises a cellulosic material or aplastic material, with the adhesive material applied as a thin coatingthereon. For this reason, the substrate may be referred to as a“sticker.” Closing the lid causes the sticker to attach to a portion ofthe inner layer of foil (that is, an outer surface of the inner layer offoil) along a front of the package.

In one embodiment, a body of the substrate resides between the tab andthe lid. The distal end of the substrate extends beyond the tab butalong the inner surface of the lid. In one aspect, the stickerarrangement extends the life of the cigarettes by up to 20% or, morepreferably, up to 30% or, more preferably still, greater than 40%.

In one aspect, the cigarette package further comprises an exterior layerof water-resistant foil. The exterior layer resides around thecontainer. The exterior foil layer is preferably fabricated from atransparent, flexible polycarbonate material.

In any arrangement, the substrate comprises a distal end having acontour that matches an upper contour of a front surface of thecontainer. In addition, the tab comprises a distal end having a contourthat matches an upper contour of the front surface of the inner lining.This enables a one-step closure and seal for the cigarette package. Inthis respect, when the lid is pivoted from its open position to itsclosed position, the distal end of the substrate will mate with (orfollow) the upper contour of the front surface of the container, whilethe distal end of the tab will mate with (or follow) the upper contourof the front surface of the inner lining. State another way, the lid isconfigured so that sealing and closing the lid is done in one step, andreciprocally opening and unsealing the lid is done in a single step.

A method of sealing a cigarette package is also provided herein. Themethod first includes providing a package of cigarettes. The package isdesigned in accordance with the packaging described above, in itsvarious embodiments.

The method also includes:

opening the lid;

removing a cigarette from the container; and

moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to both closeand seal the cigarette package in one step.

A method for assembling a cigarette package is also provided herein. Themethod first includes providing a blank of material to serve as an innerlayer of foil. Preferably, the blank of material that serves as theinner layer of foil is fabricated from a moisture and aroma proofmaterial, such as aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof.

The method also includes providing a blank of material to serve as acontainer. The blank includes a lid portion. The container serves as ahousing for a plurality of cigarettes. In one aspect, the housing isfabricated from a compliant synthetic material such as a plasticmaterial. In another aspect, the housing is fabricated from a rigidcellulosic material. In either aspect, the housing is arectangularly-shaped outer container formed from a blank, and isconfigured to closely hold a plurality of cigarettes upon assembly.

The method additionally includes providing a blank of material to serveas a tab. The tab is also fabricated from a moisture-proof material.

The method further includes providing a blank of material to serve as asubstrate. Preferably, the substrate comprises a distal end having anadhesive material placed thereon.

The method also comprises adhering the blank of material that serves asthe inner layer of foil to an inner surface of the container. The methodthen includes folding the blank of material that serves as thecontainer, along with the adhered inner layer of foil, to form athree-dimensional rectangular housing. The method still further includesfolding the blank of material that serves as the container to create ahinged lid for an end of the housing.

The method additionally comprises adhering the substrate to an innersurface of the lid. In one aspect, a body of the substrate residesbetween the tab and the lid, and the distal end of the substrate extendsbeyond the tab and along the inner surface of the lid. In this way, aone-step closure and seal system for the cigarette package, with thesystem being designed to increase the shelf life of the cigarettes whenthe cigarettes are placed inside the box, when the lid is closed at thetop end. In one aspect, the system with the one-step adhesive substrateextends the life of the cigarettes, calculated from when the consumerfirst opens the package, by up to 20% or even up to 40%.

The method also includes placing a plurality of cigarettes into thehousing, and releasably sealing the hinged lid to an outer front surfaceof the container.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a water-resistantfoil material, and wrapping the container with the water-resistant foilmaterial to provide a moisture barrier. The exterior foil layer ispreferably fabricated from a transparent, flexible polycarbonatematerial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the present inventions can be better understood, certaindrawings, charts, graphs and/or flow charts are appended hereto. It isto be noted, however, that the drawings illustrate only selectedembodiments of the inventions and are therefore not to be consideredlimiting of scope, for the inventions may admit to other equallyeffective embodiments and applications.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a known cigarette packagedesign. This represents a hard box.

FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette package inaccordance with the present invention, in one embodiment. The package isintended to illustrate a hard box as the container.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package. The lid is shownin a closed position.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of the cigarette packageof FIG. 2A, respectively.

FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views of the cigarettepackage of FIG. 2A, respectively.

FIGS. 2F and 2G are additional perspective views of the cigarettepackage of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2F, the hinged lid is being moved from itsclosed position to an open position, revealing cigarettes within thecontainer. In FIG. 2G, the hinged lid is in its fully open position. Thecigarettes have been removed for illustration.

FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 2A. Here, certain internal components of the package are shown inexploded-apart relation.

FIGS. 3A through 3D present engineering views of “blank” materials usedin forming the cigarette package of FIGS. 2A through 2H.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a blank of material used to create a containerfor the package of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment

FIG. 3B is a plan view of a blank of material used to create a frontportion of the container of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a plan view of a blank of material used to create the innerlining, or inner foil layer, for the package of FIG. 2A, in oneembodiment. A sealing tab is shown there along.

FIG. 3D is a plan view of a blank of material used to create asubstrate. The substrate receives an adhesive material at a distal end.

FIGS. 4A through 4H present a series of views of a cigarette package inaccordance with the present invention, in an alternate embodiment. Thepackage is intended to illustrate a soft box as the container.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cigarette package. The lid is shownin a closed position.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are front and back plan views of the cigarette packageof FIG. 4A, respectively.

FIGS. 4D and 4E are left and right side plan views of the cigarettepackage of FIG. 4A, respectively.

FIGS. 4F and 4G are additional perspective views of the cigarettepackage of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4F, the hinged lid is being moved from itsclosed position to an open position, revealing cigarettes within thecontainer. In FIG. 4G, the hinged lid is in its fully open position. Thecigarettes have been removed.

FIG. 4H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package ofFIG. 4A. Here, certain internal components of the package are shown inexploded-apart relation.

FIGS. 5A through 5C present engineering views of “blank” materials usedin forming the cigarette package of FIGS. 4A through 4H.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank of material used to create the softouter container, in one embodiment.

FIG. 5B is a plan view of a blank of material used to create the innerlining, or foil, for the package of FIG. 4A, in one embodiment. Asealing tab is shown therein.

FIG. 5C is a plan view of a blank of material used to create thesubstrate. The substrate receives an adhesive material at a distal end.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS Definitions

As used herein, the term “blank” refers to a substrate that is foldedalong designated lines to form a three-dimensional object.

Description of Selected Specific Embodiments

The inventions are described herein in connection with certain specificembodiments. However, to the extent that the following detaileddescription is specific to a particular embodiment or a particular use,such is intended to be illustrative only and is not to be construed aslimiting the scope of the inventions or claims.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are perspective views showing a design for a knowncigarette package 100. The cigarette package 100 defines a container 110for holding a plurality of cigarettes 150. In FIG. 1A, a few of thecigarettes 150 are shown extending from the container 110 forillustrative purposes.

The container 110 has a lower end 112 and an upper end 114. A lid 115 ishingedly connected to the container 110 at the upper end 114. A hingeline is shown at 116. It is understood that the hinge line extends alonga back surface (not shown).

The lid 115 is movable from an open position wherein in a cigarette 150may be accessed, to a closed position wherein the lid 115 seats on ashoulder 118. It is observed that while closing the lid 115 may limitcontact of the cigarettes 150 with the air, it does not provide amoisture barrier or an air tight seal.

FIGS. 2A through 2H present a series of views of a cigarette package 200in accordance with the present invention, in one embodiment. The package200 is intended to illustrate a hard box as a container 210.

First, FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the cigarette package 200. Acontainer 210 having a rectangular profile is first shown. The container210 has a lower end 212 and an upper end 214. A lid 215 is disposed atthe upper end 214. The lid 215 is pivotally connected to the container210 through an integral hinge line 216. (The hinge line 216 is best seenin FIG. 2C.) Preferably, the lid 215 is integrally connected to thecontainer 210 as shown in the blank of FIG. 3A.

FIGS. 2B and 2C are front and back plan views of the cigarette package200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In FIG. 2B, a front panel 210B of thecontainer 210 is seen; in FIG. 2C, a back portion 210C of the containeris shown. The front panel 210B includes a recessed portion (seen at 211in FIG. 2F) that accommodates the lid 215 when the lid 215 is in itsclosed position.

It is also noted that a front portion 215B of the lid 215 is seen inFIG. 2B, while a back portion 215C of the lid 215 is visible in FIG. 2C.The hinge line 216 is also shown in FIG. 2C.

FIGS. 2D and 2E are left and right side plan views of the cigarettepackage 200 of FIG. 2A, respectively. In these views, the lid 215remains in its closed position.

FIGS. 2F and 2G are additional perspective views of the cigarettepackage 200 of FIG. 2A. In FIG. 2F, the pivoting lid 215 is being movedfrom a closed position to an open position, revealing cigarettes 150within the container 210. Arrow “O” indicates a direction of movement ofthe lid 215. In FIG. 2G, the pivoting lid 215 is in its fully openposition. Here, the cigarettes 150 have been removed for clarity.

Additional details of the package 200 are presented in FIGS. 2F and 2G.First, it is noted that the container 210 includes a shoulder 218. Theshoulder 218 defines a crease in the material forming the container 210.Above the shoulder 218 is the recessed portion 211. The recessed portion211 has a front profile, or contour 213, contour 213 is generallyrectangular or trapezoidal in shape. As is seen partially in FIG. 2G,and as will be described further below, the contour 213 matches acontour of a distal end 234 of a substrate 230 mounted to the interiorsurface of the lid 215. The substrate 230 has an adhesive materialcoated on the exterior or exposed surface opposite the lid 215. Theadhesive material resides at the distal end 234. In this way, the lid215 may be closed and sealed in one novel step, as described in moredetail hereinafter.

Also visible in FIGS. 2F and 2G, wherein the lid 215 is open, is a frontportion 225 of an inner lining 220. The front portion 225 includes afront notch, or upper contour 224. Again, the contour 224 is generallyrectangular or trapezoidal in shape. The front portion 225 is part of alarger inner lining (seen more fully at 220 in FIG. 3C) that defines alayer of foil material. The inner lining 220 has an exterior surfacewith a peripheral margin portion 226 which is exposed above the recessportion 211. The inner lining 220 resides along a substantial portion ofan inner surface 227 of the container 210. The inner lining 220 isfabricated from a material that is moisture proof. For example, thematerial may comprise aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof. Thelining 220 helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture of thecigarettes within the container 210, even after the package 200 has beenopened by the consumer.

Also visible (at least partially in FIG. 2G) is a tab 240. The tab 240,in essence, is an extension of the inner lining 220, and extends up intoan inner-surface 217 of the lid 215. The tab 240 is also fabricated froma moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel or combinationsthereof.

FIG. 2H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package 200of FIG. 2A. Here, certain inner components of the package 200 are shownin exploded-apart relation. Of interest, the tab 240 is seen extendingup from a back of the container 210. Behind the tab 240 is the substrate230. In practice, the substrate 230 resides between the tab 240 and theunder surface 217 of the lid 215. As noted above, the substrate 230 hasa distal end 234 (seen also in FIG. 3D) that is exposed above the tab240, and that receives the adhesive material, or then coating.

FIGS. 3A through 3D present engineering views of “blank” materials usedin forming the cigarette package 200 of FIGS. 2A through 2H. These viewsprovide fuller presentations of components.

FIG. 3A is a plan view of a blank of material used to create thecontainer 210 for the package 200 of FIG. 2A, in one embodiment. Thecontainer 210 includes front 210B and back 210C panels. The container210 also includes opposing side panels. Dashed lines show where thecontainer 210 is to be creased during manufacture.

FIG. 3B is a plan view of a blank of material used to create therecessed portion 211 of the container 210 of FIG. 3A. Dashed lines againshow where the material is to be creased during manufacture. A contourfor the recessed portion 211 is shown at 219.

FIG. 3C is a plan view of a blank of material used to create the innerlining 220, or foil, in one embodiment. Dashed lines again show wherethe lining 220 is to be creased during manufacture. Opposing ends 221,223 are folded over each other to form a base. The lining 220 alsoincludes opposing side panels.

Along the blank material of FIG. 3C, and forming a top portion duringmanufacture, is a sealing tab 240, in one embodiment. Dashed lines showwhere the tab 240 is to be creased during manufacture. The sealing tab240 includes distal end 244. The majority of the tab 240 resides alongthe under-surface 217 of the lid 215. However, the distal end 244 isexposed along the under surface 217 of the lid 215.

Finally, FIG. 3D is a plan view of a blank of material used to createthe substrate 230. Dashed lines show where the substrate 230 is to becreased during manufacture. As shown in FIG. 3D, the substrate 230 has aproximal end 232 that preferably resides below the back panel 210C ofthe container 210. The substrate 230 also has a distal end 234. Thedistal end 234 has a contour that generally matches the contour 219 ofthe recessed portion 211 of the front cover 210B.

An area 235 near the distal end 234 of the substrate 230 is coated withan adhesive material. Coated area 235 lands on the front portion 225 ofthe lining 220 (at peripheral margin portion 226) when the lid 215 ismoved to its closed position. In this way, the lid 215 may beneficiallybe closed and sealed in one step, meaning the lid 415 may be manuallymoved to its closed position wherein the distal end 244 of the tab 240generally aligns with the contour 224 of the inner lining 220 to createa substantially complete enclosure of moisture proof material. Theclosure also automatically causes the adhesive material on substratearea 235 to land upon the margin 226 of the inner lining 220 about thecontour 224, in the area between “notch” or contour 213 and contour 224,so that it seals the inner lining 220 and maintains the lid 215 in aclosed position. At the same time, the contour of the distal end 234generally follows the contour 213. Thus, the lid 215 is closed and theinner lining 220 is sealed in one movement or step, rather than havingto manually seal an inner packaging prior to closing the outerpackaging, as with the prior art.

FIGS. 4A through 4H present a series of views of a cigarette package 400in accordance with the present invention, in an alternate embodiment.The package 400 is intended to illustrate a soft box as the container.

First, FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the cigarette package 400. Acontainer 410 having a rectangular profile is first shown. The container410 has a lower end 412 and an upper end 414. A lid 415 is disposed atthe upper end 414. The lid 415 is pivotally connected to the container410 through an integral hinge line 416, shown in FIG. 4C.

FIGS. 4B and 4C are front and back plan views of the cigarette package400 of FIG. 4A, respectively. In FIG. 4B, a front panel 410B of thecontainer 410 is seen; in FIG. 4C, a back portion 410C of the container410 is shown. The front panel 410B includes an upper contour line (seenat 411 in FIG. 4F) that accommodates the lid 415 when the lid 415 is inits closed position.

It is also noted that a front portion 415B of the lid 415 is seen inFIG. 4B; however, there is no back portion of the lid 415 so no portionof the lid 415 is visible in FIG. 4C. The hinge line 416 is shown at thetop of FIG. 4C.

FIGS. 4D and 4E are left and right side plan views of the cigarettepackage 400 of FIG. 4A, respectively. The lid 415 is shown in its closedposition.

FIGS. 4F and 4G are additional perspective views of the cigarettepackage 400 of FIG. 4A. In FIG. 4F, the pivoting lid 415 is being movedfrom a closed position to an open position, revealing cigarettes 150within the container 410. Arrow “O” indicates a direction of movement ofthe lid 415. In FIG. 4G, the pivoting lid 415 is in its open position.The cigarettes have been removed for clarity.

Additional details of the package 400 are presented in FIGS. 4F and 4G.First, it is again noted that the container 410 includes the uppercontour line 411. As is seen partially in FIG. 4G, and as will bedescribed more fully below, the contour line 411 matches a contour of adistal end 434 of a substrate 430 permanently mounted to the interiorsurface 417 of the lid 415 with an adhesive or the like. The substrate430 has an adhesive material coated on the exterior or exposed surfaceopposite the lid 215. In this way, the lid 415 may be closed and sealedin one novel step, as described in more detail hereinafter.

Also visible in FIGS. 4F and 4G, wherein the lid 415 is open, is a frontportion 425 of an inner lining 420. The front portion 420 includes anotch or upper contour 424. The front portion 425 is part of a largerinner lining (seen fully at 420 in FIG. 5B) that defines a layer of foilmaterial. The inner lining 420 resides along a substantial portion of aninner surface 417 of the container 410. The inner lining 420 isfabricated from a material that is moisture proof. For example, thematerial may comprise aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof. Thelining 420 helps to maintain the aromatic oils and moisture within thecontainer 410.

Also visible (at least partially in FIG. 4G) is a tab 440. The tab 440,in essence, is an extension of the inner lining 420, and extends up intothe under-surface 417 of the lid 415. The tab 440 is also fabricatedfrom a moisture-proof material such as aluminum, tin, nickel orcombinations thereof.

FIG. 4H is still another perspective view of the cigarette package 400of FIG. 4A. Here, certain components of the package 400 are shown inexploded-apart relation. Of interest, the tab 440 is seen extending upfrom a back of the container 410. Behind the tab 440 is the substrate430. In practice, the substrate 430 resides between the tab 440 and theunder surface 417 of the lid 415. The substrate 430 has a distal end(also shown best at 434 in FIG. 5C) that is exposed above the tab 440,and that receives the adhesive material.

FIGS. 5A through 5C present engineering views of “blank” materials usedin forming the cigarette package 400 of FIGS. 4A through 4H. These viewsprovide fuller presentations of components.

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a blank of material used to create thecontainer 410 for the package 400 of FIG. 4A, in one embodiment. Thecontainer 410 includes front 410B and back 410C panels. The container410 also includes opposing side panels. Dashed lines show where thecontainer 410 is to be creased during manufacture.

FIG. 5B is a plan view of a blank of material used to create the innerlining 420, or foil, in one embodiment. Dashed lines show where thelining 420 is to be creased during manufacture. Opposing ends 421, 423are folded over each other to form a base. The lining 420 also includesopposing side panels.

Along the blank material of FIG. 5B, and forming a top portion duringmanufacture, is a sealing tab 440, in one embodiment. The sealing tab440 includes a distal end 444. The majority of the tab 440 resides alongthe inner surface 417 of the lid 415. Dashed lines show where the tab440 is to be creased during manufacture.

Finally, FIG. 5C is a plan view of a blank of material used to createthe substrate 430. Dashed lines show where the substrate 430 is to becreased during manufacture. As shown in FIG. 5C, the substrate 430 has aproximal end 432 that preferably resides below the back panel 410C ofthe container 410. As noted, the substrate 430 also has a distal end 434that extends beyond the tab 440. The distal end 434 has a contour thatgenerally matches the contour 411 of the front cover 410B.

An area 435 of the substrate 430 is thinly coated with an adhesivematerial. Area 435 lands on the front portion 425 of the lining 420 whenthe lid 415 is moved to its closed position. In this way, the lid 415may be closed and sealed in one step, meaning the lid 415 may bemanually moved to its closed position wherein the distal end 444 of thetab 440 generally aligns with the “notch” or contour 424 of the innerlining 420 to create a substantially complete enclosure of moistureproof material. The closure also automatically causes the adhesivematerial on substrate 430 to land upon the peripheral margin or marginportion 426 of the exterior or exposed surface of the inner lining 420about the notch 424 so that it seals the inner lining 420 and maintainsthe lid 415 in a closed position. Thus, the lid 415 is closed and theinner lining 420 is sealed in one movement or step, rather than havingto manually seal an inner packaging prior to closing the outerpackaging, as with the prior art.

For both FIGS. 2H and 4H, the substrates 230, 430 (or stickers) and tabs240, 440 are designed, fabricated and configured to extend the life ofthe cigarettes 150 within the package 200, 400. It is believed that thelife of the cigarettes 150, calculated from when the consumer firstopens the package, may be extended by up to 20%, or even up to 40%. Itis also believed that the shelf life of the cigarettes 150 before thepackage is opened is also extended greatly. In the arrangement of FIGS.2H and 3D, the distal end 234 of the substrate (or “sticker”) 230 isconfigured to follow a contour 213 of the recessed portion 211, whilethe distal end 244 of the tab 240 is configured to follow the uppercontour 224 of a front portion of the inner lining 220. Similarly, inthe arrangement of FIGS. 4H and 5C, the distal end 444 of the tab 440 isconfigured to follow the upper contour 424 of a front portion of theinner lining 420. These provisions allow for a greater degree ofpreservation of the tobacco products provided within the containers 210,410.

A method of sealing a cigarette package is also provided herein. Themethod first includes providing a package of cigarettes. The packagingis designed in accordance with the packages 200, 400 described above, intheir various embodiments.

The method also includes

opening the lid;

removing a cigarette from the container; and

moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to both closeand seal the cigarette package in one step.

A method for assembling a cigarette package is also provided herein. Themethod first includes providing a blank of material to serve as an innerlayer of foil. Preferably, the blank of material that serves as theinner layer of foil is fabricated from a moisture-proof material, suchas aluminum, tin, nickel or combinations thereof.

The method also includes providing a blank of material to serve as acontainer. The blank includes a lid portion. The container serves as ahousing for a plurality of cigarettes. In one aspect, the housing isfabricated from a compliant synthetic material such as a plasticmaterial. In another aspect, the housing is fabricated from a rigidcellulosic material. In either aspect, the housing is arectangularly-shaped outer container formed from folding the blank, andis configured to closely hold the plurality of cigarettes afterassembly.

The method further includes providing a blank of material to serve as asubstrate, or sticker. Preferably, the sticker comprises a body having adistal end. The sticker further comprises an adhesive material placedalong the distal end. Preferably, the sticker is fabricated from acellulosic material. The distal end of the sticker is preferablyconfigured to closely follow the edges of the inner layer of foilmaterial at the front of the container, so that a greater degree ofinsulative preservation is provided within the container.

The method also comprises adhering the blank of material that serves asthe inner layer of foil to an inner surface of the container. The methodthen includes folding the blank of material that serves as thecontainer, along with the adhered inner layer of foil, to form arectangular housing for a plurality of cigarettes. The method stillfurther includes folding the blank of material that serves as thecontainer to create a hinged lid.

The method additionally comprises adhering an inner surface of thesticker to an under-surface of the lid. The material is designed toincrease the shelf life of the cigarettes when the cigarettes are placedinside the box, when the lid is closed at the top end. In oneembodiment, the sticker comprises aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinationsthereof. The sticker enables a one-step closure and seal for thecigarettes.

The method also includes placing a plurality of cigarettes into thehousing, and releasably sealing the hinged lid to an outer front surfaceof the container.

Optionally, the method further comprises providing a water-resistantfoil material, and wrapping the container with the water-resistant foilmaterial to provide a moisture barrier.

In the above method, a body of the substrate resides between the tab andthe lid, and the distal end of the substrate extends beyond the tab andalong the under-surface of the lid. In one aspect, the package furthercomprises an exterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around thecontainer. The container may be fabricated primarily from a rigidcellulosic material or primarily from a synthetic material.

In one aspect, the lining comprises aluminum, tin, nickel, orcombinations thereof. Additionally, the substrate comprises aluminum,tin, nickel, or combinations thereof, with an adhesive material appliedalong the distal end of the adhesive layer as a thin coating. Thesubstrate may comprise a cellulosic material or a plastic material, withan adhesive material applied along the distal end of the adhesive layeras the coating.

In one embodiment, the front surface of the container comprises arecessed portion forming a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lidis pivoted to its closed position. The contour of the distal end of thesubstrate generally matches a contour of the exposed recessed portion.

A method for sealing a cigarette package is also provided herein. Themethod includes:

-   -   providing a package of cigarettes, the package comprising:        -   a container formed from folding a blank, the container            holding a plurality of cigarettes;        -   a lid portion pivotally connected to the container proximate            an upper end to provide selective access to the cigarettes;        -   a moisture-proof lining residing along at least a portion of            an inner surface of the container, the lining being            fabricated at least partially from a metallic material, and            the lining having a front portion that receives the lid when            the lid is in a closed position;        -   a tab extending up from a back of the container and residing            along an inner surface of the lid, the tab also being            fabricated from a moisture-proof material to increase the            shelf life of the cigarettes when the cigarettes are inside            the box and the lid is in its closed position; and        -   a substrate residing and being exposed along an            under-surface of the lid, wherein an adhesive material on            the substrate releasably secures the lid to the front            portion of the moisture-proof lining when the lid is in its            closed position;    -   wherein the substrate comprises a distal end having a contour        that matches an upper contour of a front surface of the        container, and the tab comprises a distal end having a contour        that matches an upper contour of the front surface of the lining        above the front surface of the container;

The method further includes:

-   -   opening the lid;    -   removing a cigarette from the container; and    -   moving the lid from an open position to a closed position to        both close and seal the cigarette package in one step.

As can be seen, an improved cigarette package is provided herein. Thecigarette package operates to extend the life of a conventional packageof cigarettes by at least 20% to 40%. While it will be apparent that theinventions herein described are well calculated to achieve the benefitsand advantages set forth above, it will be appreciated that theinventions are susceptible to modification, variation and change withoutdeparting from the spirit thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cigarette package, comprising: an outercontainer formed from a blank, the container configured to closely holda plurality of cigarettes; a lid pivotally connected to the containerproximate an upper end to provide selective access to the cigarettes,the lid being movable between open and closed positions; amoisture-proof lining residing within at least a portion of the outercontainer, the lining being fabricated from a metallic material, and thelining having a front surface that receives the lid when the lid is inits closed position; a substrate fixedly coupled to and residing alongthe under-surface of the lid, wherein an adhesive material on thesubstrate releasably secures the lid to the front surface of themoisture-proof lining when the lid is in its closed position; and a tabextending up from a back of the container and fixedly coupled to andresiding along the substrate, the tab also being fabricated from amoisture-proof material to increase the shelf life of the cigaretteswhen the cigarettes are placed inside the box and when the lid is in itsclosed position; wherein: the substrate comprises a distal end thatreceived the adhesive material, and that has a contour that generallymatches an upper contour of a front surface of the container, and thetab comprises a distal end having a contour that generally matches anupper contour of the front surface of the lining above the front surfaceof the container, thereby enabling a one-step closure and seal for thecigarette package.
 2. The cigarette package of claim 1, wherein thecontainer has a rectangular cross-section.
 3. The cigarette package ofclaim 1, wherein: a body of the substrate resides between the tab andthe under-surface of the lid, and the distal end of the substrateextends beyond the tab but terminates along the under-surface of thelid.
 4. The cigarette package of claim 3, further comprising: anexterior layer of water-resistant foil residing around the container. 5.The cigarette package of claim 3, wherein the outer container isfabricated primarily from a rigid cellulosic material.
 6. The cigarettepackage of claim 3, wherein the outer container is fabricated primarilyfrom a synthetic material.
 7. The cigarette package of claim 3, wherein:the tab extends up from a back of the lining, and is integral to thelining; and the lining and connected tab are fabricated from a blank ofmoisture- and aroma oil-insulating material.
 8. The cigarette package ofclaim 7, wherein the lining and connected tab comprise aluminum, tin,nickel, or combinations thereof.
 9. The cigarette package of claim 7,wherein the substrate comprises aluminum, tin, nickel, or combinationsthereof, with an adhesive material applied along the distal end of theadhesive layer as a coating.
 10. The cigarette package of claim 7,wherein the substrate comprises a cellulosic material or a plasticmaterial, with an adhesive material applied along the distal end of theadhesive layer as a coating.
 11. The cigarette package of claim 3,wherein: the front surface of the container comprises a recessed portionforming a shoulder on which the lid lands when the lid is pivoted to itsclosed position; and the upper contour of the front surface of thecontainer is an upper contour of the recessed portion such that thecontour of the distal end of the substrate generally matches an uppercontour of the recessed portion.
 12. A cigarette package comprising: anouter container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outercontainer having an exterior surface and a recess portion inwardlyindented from the outer container exterior surface, the recess portionhaving a top edge and a first contour extending downwardly from the topedge on a front surface of the outer container; a moisture-proof liningpositioned within the outer container, said lining having a frontsurface that extends above the top edge and first contour of the recessportion to expose a peripheral margin portion of an exterior surface ofthe lining, said lining having a second contour generally spaced fromthe first contour; a lid pivotally connected to the outer container atan upper back end of the outer container, the lid having an exteriorsurface and an interior surface, and the lid being movable between anopen position and a closed position; a tab coupled to the interiorsurface of the lid, the tab having a distal end being configured toconform with the second contour of the lining; and an adhesive substratecoupled to the interior surface of the lid, said adhesive substrateresiding along the interior surface of the lid and extending beyond thedistal end of the tab, the adhesive substrate being configured tocontact the lining between the first contour of the outer container andthe second contour of the lining to provide a moisture-proof seal whenthe lid is in its closed position; wherein the lid is thereby configuredso that sealing and closing the lid is done in one step, andreciprocally opening and unsealing the lid is done in one step.
 13. Thecigarette package of claim 12, wherein the second contour follows ageometry of the first contour.
 14. A cigarette package comprising: anouter container configured to hold a plurality of cigarettes, the outercontainer having a top edge; a moisture-proof lining positioned withinthe outer container, said lining having a front surface extending pastthe top edge of the outer container to expose a peripheral marginportion of an exterior surface of the lining, said lining having a notchto allow access to cigarettes within the lining; a lid pivotallyconnected to the outer container at an upper back end of the outercontainer, the lid having an exterior surface and an interior surface,the lid being movable between an open position and a closed position; atab permanently coupled to the interior surface of the lid, the tabbeing configured to conform with the notch of the lining; and anadhesive substrate permanently coupled to the interior surface of thelid, said adhesive substrate extending about at least a peripheralportion of the tab, the adhesive substrate being configured to contactthe lining at a location upon the lining between the outer container topedge and the notch of the lining wherein the lid is thereby configuredso that sealing and closing the lid is done in one step, andreciprocally opening and unsealing the lid is done in one step.